Hapi Hemp: CBD, superfoods, adaptogens – what are they and how can they help?

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CBD isn’t the only natural compound with the ability to give your body exactly what it needs. Here, the Hapi Hemp team introduce the other adaptogens and explain the role they play in boosting wellbeing.

One of the things we love most about CBD is its ability to work in so many different ways.

It’s what’s known as a pleiotropic – something which produces lots of different effects through many molecular pathways, activating or binding to multiple receptors throughout the body.

Essentially, this means that it goes where it’s needed and supports your body in regaining equilibrium, whether that’s in the form of an energy boost, a wash of calm amid a bout of anxiety or a restful sleep.

But, however much we love the cannabis plant and all it has to give, this isn’t the only plant species which holds this  remarkable ability of changing to suit your needs.

There are other botanicals which, just like hemp, have been used since records began (and likely beyond) to enhance and maintain wellness in this same, holistic way.

These are called adaptogens and you’ll find them featured across our range alongside CBD.

What are adaptogens?

There are a select few herbs and mushrooms in the world which fall into this special category.

As you may be able to guess from the name, adaptogens are able adapt their function depending on what your body needs at the time of using, be that physical, biological or chemical. Amazing, right?

Just like CBD, they work to bring the body back into balance, perhaps by calming a stress response, boosting energy, lowering inflammation or even enhancing mental performance.

Most impressively, adaptogens can possess opposing qualities at the same time (for example acting as a stimulant while relaxing at the same time) if that’s what your wellbeing calls for.

Meet the Hapi Hemp adaptogens

Here at Hapi Hemp, our passion lies in nurturing your mind, body and soul through the use of the natural ingredients which endlessly defy and exceed expectations.

And while we will largely use our little space on the internet to inform and educate on the subject of CBD and the other 120+ cannabinoids found within the hemp plant, we also want to introduce you to some of the other incredible botanicals you’ll find in our products.

We’d like to introduce you to the adaptogens you’ll find in our new CBD Superfood blend and explain why we love them:

Ashwagandha
There is evidence to show that this ancient medicinal herb has been used across continents for over four millennia for its ability to help the body cope with stress, as well as providing support to the immune, cardiovascular, the nervous and endocrine systems.

The root of this adaptogen contains a variety of bioactive compounds (the parts which have an effect on living organisms) including naturally occurring steroidal lactones withanolide glycosides and withaferins (very effective for reducing cortisol and stress), alkaloids (analgesic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-tumor, anti-arrhythmic and anti-bacterial), acylsteryl glycosides (anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and hormone balancing) and saponins (a potent anti-oxidant).

The wellbeing benefits this traditional Ayurvedic herb has to give are far-reaching and, as an adaptogen, different for everyone. But many studies over the years have found it to be especially effective in stress management and hormonal regulation.

Cacao
Although cacao does have a decadent chocolate flavour, it’s a far cry from the stuff you’ll find in your local corner shop.

This ingredient is revered among many cultures across the globe and is often used in ceremonial, shamanistic practice as well as in naturopathic medicine in it’s raw form, which is extremely high in antioxidants (40 times more than blueberries) and flavanols.

Cacao is also the highest plant-based source of iron there is with 7.3mg per 100g (beef is only 2.5mg), bursting with minerals such as magnesium and calcium and boasts a hefty dose of blissful neurotransmitters serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine for an instant mood lift.

Turmeric
Study after study has shown the stress reliving benefits of this wonderful root to be so astounding that some ordinarily Allopathic doctors now prescribe this as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. But the benefits of Turmeric go well beyond helping you keep your cool.

Thanks to the key active ingredient in Turmeric, Curcumin (and in lesser amounts, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) this spice helps to balance the body by reducing bad cholesterol, reducing inflammation, reducing harmful oxidative stress, reducing the activity of cancer cells, improving blood sugar metabolism and acting as a potent antifungal and antibacterial. Phew!

Reishi Mushroom
Reishi (or Ganoderma lucidum) has been called ‘the herb of immortality’ which gives you some idea of how miraculous this adaptogen is.

Grown in China, this mushroom has been used for thousands of years for a hefty list of health benefits and in particular its grounding effects. A regular dose of these will see you sailing through even the highest octane days and help support healthy sleep cycles too.

The non-specific adaptability of these superior ingredients makes them all ideal supplements to add into any lifestyle, for an all-round balancing enhancement to your every day.

You can find all of these, in one delicious mix, alongside a good dose of CBD, in our new CBD Superfood Blend.